This cunning octopus has incredible defence tactics

THERE are some exhilarating animal battles taking place in the depths of the ocean and David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II has provided the internet with a new favourite moment.

THERE are some fascinating animals lurking in the depths of the ocean and David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II reminds us of their spectacular behaviour.

Episode 5 titled Green Seas aired in the UK this week and a particularly cunning octopus has emerged as the star of the show for her creative tactics of evasion.

Pursued by a pyjama shark, the octopus was seen first plugging its attacker’s gills with its tentacles in an apparent bid to suffocate it. The move forced the shark to let go of its hold on the octopus in order to breathe.

The octopus slides her tentacles into the pyjama shark’s gill to try and suffocate it#BluePlanet2 pic.twitter.com/JsUoeWxYbX

— BBC Earth (@BBCEarth) November 26, 2017

After the remarkable show of defence, the octopus pulled out another brilliant move: covering itself in sea shells as a successful armour and form of disguise from the small shark.

Exposed on the sea floor, the quick-thinking creature gathered up nearby shells and formed a protective dome around itself. It was a brilliant move that seemed to confuse its attacker long enough to give it time to jet away.

“It was incredible to see how that octopus outwitted that shark,” the show’s cameraman said, “she’s a rock star.”

The man himself, David Attenborough, seemed rather pleased the show’s producers were able to capture the unique moment, which took place in a kelp forest off the coast of South Africa.

“Thanks to Craig’s and Roger’s dedication [the cameramen], the octopus’ astonishing behaviours are now known to science,” he said.

And of course the internet was suitably impressed.

The Tony Stark of octopus.

— Mike G (@MichiganMikeG) November 27, 2017

the slickest getaway ever

— han✨ (@hanwds_) November 26, 2017

The octopus is a fascinating creature........amazingly intelligent and resourceful.

— Stephen Hopkins (@StephenHopkin11) November 27, 2017

Octopuses are incredible. Easily my favorite animal, never ceasing to amaze. Love it!

— Peter C. Blanchard (@PeterCBlanchard) November 27, 2017

#BluePlanet2 We really shouldn't eat these remarkably clever dudes. #octopus pic.twitter.com/HTJHGDqYvV

— Blue Planet Society (@Seasaver) November 26, 2017